Statistics Canada has released a report that shows the Saskatchewan economy struggling since the Sask. Party hiked the PST. According to Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan is one of only two provinces to see housing construction drop over the last year and is the only province where sales in the food and beverage industry have dropped. These are two industries that were hit hard by the Sask. Party’s billion-dollar PST hike.

“Across the province, small businesses and other industries are struggling with the PST hike that the Sask. Party recklessly imposed on them and Saskatchewan families,” said NDP Finance Critic Cathy Sproule. “When these businesses are struggling, they’re not creating jobs, and that makes it harder for Saskatchewan people to find work. No wonder more people are leaving Saskatchewan to find opportunities in other provinces than were before the Sask. Party was elected.”

Saskatchewan NDP is joining with producers across the province in calling on the Sask. Party to finally act to clear the railway bottlenecks that have been making it harder for producers to get their grain to market and hurting the Saskatchewan economy.

“I’ve heard from producers throughout the province who see this as a major problem, and they can’t afford to have the Sask. Party stand as idle as the grain they’re refusing to help get moving,” said Agriculture Critic Carla Beck. “This is the same Sask. Party that refused to hold the Federal Government to account in 2014 when farmers were struggling to get their bumper crop to market. We can’t afford the Sask. Party’s inaction and ineffectiveness again.”

The Sask. Party’s cuts to education have led to another important preschool program being put on the chopping block. With the Premier offering only a fraction of the reinvestment he promised, a growing list of important programs remain at risk and many students are still not getting the supports they need.

“The Education Minister promised $55 million and the Premier promised $30 million,” said NDP Education Critic Carla Beck. “The Sask. Party can’t just offer up a fraction and call it a win. Our kids deserve the whole number.”

A newly released Statistics Canada report shows that, despite the Sask. Party’s claims, today’s reality is that even more Saskatchewan people are being forced to move away to other provinces to find opportunities compared to the number of people that were leaving ten years ago.

“The Sask. Party’s heartless cuts and unfair tax hikes are making it harder and harder on young people throughout the province to find and keep steady employment,” said NDP Jobs Critic Vicki Mowat. “While other provinces are finding ways to create more jobs, the Sask. Party is letting Saskatchewan fall behind. More and more people are realising they have no choice but to move somewhere else to start their careers or support their families.”

Tonight, a trial that has gripped our entire province and attracted attention from around the world came to an end. But, it is as clear tonight as ever, our journey toward reconciliation is far from over.

Like many of you, my heart continues to break for Colten Boushie’s family and community. Their pain is immeasurable and incomprehensible to most of us.